Hot Springs of the Canadian Rockies

5 Awesome Hot Springs

Whenever I travel, I’m always on the search for the best hot springs in the area.  What can be better than an obsession with dipping in hot water? It works for a teabag, why can’t it work for me?  On a hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies with friends, I got to indulge in my passion for hot springs. Between all our winter hiking, the trip evolved into a dedicated tour of the hot springs of the Canadian Rockies.

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Banff Hot Springs

The well-known Upper Springs in Banff are a public hot spring for everyone. We loved soaking in 39 C (102F) aqua blue water after our hike at Lake Louise.  Your admission gets you a locker, but bring a towel or rent one for a buck. You can rent bathing suits. However, the displays of the old bloomers and full-body bathing costumes in the admissions area may have made everyone a little wary. 

It’s easy enough to get in and out of the pool to temperature regulate, and on a winter day, it’s quite, shall we say, invigorating, to go back and forth. The view of the snow-covered mountains while soaking in the hot springs is nirvana, the end goal of any day in the spectacular beauty of Banff.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located at the end of Mountain Avenue, four kilometers (2.5 miles) south of the town of Banff.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

My favorite hot springs in the Canadian Rockies have hot water you can’t even soak in, only look at and touch. However, Cave and Basin National Historic Site is a definite must-visit site steeped in fascinating history and interesting science. It’s the curious traveler’s destination.

Cave and Basin is significant as the birthplace of the national park system in Canada. Ranger tours and interpretive exhibits at the park unveil the captivating story.

The local Indigenous people knew about the springs of Sulphur Mountain, located adjacent to the current-day town of Banff. They used the hot springs for healing and sacred rituals. The minerals bubbling up in the springs have medicinal value recognized by the early inhabitants of the land.

In 1883, three railway workers discovered steam arising from a vent and descended into the cave through the skylight opening using a forked tree. Dollar signs lit up in their heads, and they decided to commercialize the cave hot springs. However, when disputes over land rights ensued, the Canadian government stepped in and protected the area as Banff Hot Springs Reserve. This action led to the 1887 establishment of the first national park in Canada, initially called Rocky Mountain National Park. It would later be named Banff National Park in 1930.

More Cave and Basin stories

Perhaps you are a natural history buff. Imagine visiting a site hosting one of the last remaining creatures in the world. The nearly extinct Banff Springs Snail can only be found here. Understanding how this tiny snail adapts to hot water provides an incredible story of thriving in adversity.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site is located on Cave Avenue at the base of Sulphur Mountain. Combine a visit here with an awesome gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain to see the area from all angles.

Radium Hot Springs

I was excited for Radium Hot Springs because so many people had said it was their favorite.  Unfortunately, it was closed down for renovation for a few weeks.  I’m glad we checked beforehand so we weren’t disappointed upon arrival.  Apparently, all the hot spring facilities undergo a makeover in the fall, so confirm the opening hours by phone.

Since I had already made reservations, we decided to stay in the town of Radium Hot Springs.  The plan was to go to Fairmont Hot Springs after our dinner at a cozy, authentic Austrian restaurant in town.  The mushroom schnitzel and beef roulade were Alps-worthy fare. The Gateway Motel, a sweet retro-style motel in the heart of the town, was charming in that old school way.  Plus, home-baked scones made the breakfast the next morning a continental repast on steroids. Also, very tasty hard-boiled eggs with the yolks just a smidge soft topped it off.

In search of more hot springs of the Canadian Rockies, we drove out of Radium Hot Springs. We didn’t get far out of town without running into the local herd of bighorn sheep. The stores weren’t open yet so I’m sure they weren’t shopping. But they were definitely lining up in the parking lot for the open signs to appear.

Fairmont Hot Springs

We visited Fairmont Hot Springs at night when they had a bargain rate after 7 pm. The facility was huge with a big hot water area and a pool-sized cool pool. There was even an area reserved for the kids (big and little) to flip off the pool deck and use the diving board. It was wonderful to go back and forth between pools and slip back into the hot springs after a dip in cold water.

The vibe at Fairmont Hot Springs was more resort-like, with a greater variety of amenities than the public pools. The giant chair on site is a fun photo opp.

My highlight was relaxing in the soothing heat with the stars overhead. A sliver of the moon was coming up, and the dark sky was peppered with stars.

It’s only a 25-minute drive between Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont, so we drove back to our cozy nest at the Gateway Motel.

Lussier River Hot Springs

I was lured to Lussier River Hot Springs by the promise of a wild spring deep in the Canadian Rockies. Yup, it’s wild and remote, but it’s VERY popular. We went mid-morning, and it was possible to dip in all the pools. But by the time we gave up our coveted spots in the prime hot pool after noon, the place was packed with even more bathers arriving.

Lussier Hot Springs features three distinct bathing pools with varying temperatures, all surrounded by rock walls adjacent to the freezing cold river. People were very nice in squeezing more people into the pools, and some excellent conversation was had. People were friendly and talkative in all the hot springs we visited.

Lussier Hot Springs are located in the Whiteswan Provincial Forest. Drive down gravel-surfaced Whiteswan Forest Service Road for 17.5 km. There are changing rooms and outhouses. The steep trail down to the springs is super slippery in winter conditions, so avoid the icy middle of the trail.

Accommodations for Visiting Canadian Rockies Hot Springs

Banff is a bustling town with many fine places to stay. Budget travellers should check out the HI Banff Alpine Center. We loved the outdoorsy vibe of the hostel and the clean, modern facilities. Remember, hostels aren’t just for young folks anymore.

Another reasonable alternative in Banff is the Brewster Mountain Lodge. The location is perfect, and it offers breakfast to get you started on Canadian Rockies hot springs quests. The log furnishings and decor add to its charm.

In Radium Springs, we loved the scenery right outside our door at the Gateway Motel. The room was cozy, and an amazing breakfast was included.

Wrap Up of Canadian Rockies Hot Springs

Hot springs offer their own uniqueness. These Canadian Rockies hot springs serve as a place of community building. I compare that to the spas of the Laurentians in Quebec with their more meditative intentions. The restorative value of the hot springs of the Canadian Rockies was perfect after an invigorating day on the hiking trails.

Be sure to pick up the Parks Canada Discovery Pass before your trip, as it will pay for itself in entry fees to the many parks you visit. I shared a pass with my friends as it lets the whole group into each park.

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